Learn About An Environmental Law Career

Strategies For The LSAT

LSAT prep can be stressful and time-consuming. It doesn’t have to be that way, however.
Michelle Kim Hall, a U.S. News contributor and director of law counseling at Stratus Law School Admissions Consulting, recently discussed three strategies to tackling the LSAT.
LSAT versus GRE

A number of law schools – including Harvard, Northwestern, and Georgetown – have announced that they were accepting the GRE in lieu of the LSAT.
According to a Kaplan Test Prep survey, 25% of 128 law schools say they plan to implement the GRE in lieu of the LSAT in the near future. Just a year ago, only 14% had such plans. The shift to accepting the GRE provides more options for students. However, it’s important to note the differences between the exams.
For one, Kim Hall says, the GRE is offered year-round, while the LSAT isn’t.
“This allows testers to prepare and take the test when it best suits them,” she says.
In terms of test structure, the LSAT is heavily logic-based. On the other hand, the GRE tests more quantitative skills and English vocab. However, Kim Hall says, applicants should be mindful about that LSAT scores will appear on law school reports.
“Don’t attempt the LSAT as a plan A and then switch to the GRE if you are disappointed with your score,” she says. “Only take the LSAT if you are confident you can achieve a score that will make you competitive at schools where you choose to apply.”
Take your time
There is no longer a restriction to the number of times applicants can sit for the LSAT. However, Kim Hall advises only taking the exam once.
“Some clients I work with have misinterpreted these changes as a signal that they should plan to take the LSAT as many times as possible within the calendar year,” she says. “Do not rush to take the LSAT before you are ready. Ideally, more test dates should reduce the number of times you take the exam because you can postpone until you are ready.”
A high score on one attempt will always look better than a high score after multiple attempts.
In terms of scheduling, Kim hall advises that early decision interested students take the exam no later than September.
Timing and planning are key
Planning your exam date will influence other academic, professional, and personal responsibilities. Kim Hall suggests that applicants understand how their top-choice schools review applications.
“The University of California-Berkeley School of Law, for instance, encourages applicants to submit as early as possible in the cycle – that is, September and October, the first two months applications become available,” she says. “That means a February or June LSAT score would be more advantageous to an equivalent score earned in September or November.”
Kim Hall also suggests timing application submissions with score releases.
“While you can technically submit your application before your score is released, law schools will not consider your application complete or review your materials until the score is on file,” she says.
Sources: U.S. News, Kaplan Test Prep